Everybody's Working For the Weekend

Weekend Blog...

I was very true to my word. I increased the number of strengthening/ toning exercises I did on Thursday, and made my thighs shake and burn. This was actually the advice I received on several sites I checked when the question was asked, “How many should I do...?” of the same exercises I have chosen to do. Repeatedly I read experienced, beautiful-bottomed persons say, “Do it until you burn.” “Do it until you shake...” Etc.

Sadly this was twenty each of everything. In my defense, I did do them slowly, flexing each muscle the best I could, and checking to see which set of muscles was being worked. It is very rewarding, and I bear my ache with self-confidence and joy. (But today, my daughter made me do waaaaaaaay more than twenty...)

Also, I have been stretching out regularly. I am inching my way toward the splits. I am (4) inches from touching ground in complete smoothness. I made a promise to a friend once that I could still do them, so it's a secondary goal.

Friday, I struggled. Friday, everything was hard for me. My one daughter told me I was a horrible mother, among many other things, and everything just kind of fell apart for me. I managed to walk a very brisk three miles, and I danced for twenty minutes. I didn't overeat anything (if anything, I under-ate) but I didn't drink enough water.

So, I am looking for these next days to be absolutely perfect days where I walk, exercise, pamper my skin, eat right, and consume lots of hydrating liquids.

Why? Well, because I love myself.

How do I love me? Let me count the ways...

1. I have a nice nose. I feel a little like Anne of Green Gables when I say that. I always remember reading that she felt as though she was entirely too vain concerning that feature. I just like that mine is the length of my dad's nose, but the square-tip shape of my mom's.
2. I have large hands, but not unfeminine. They have long fingers, and are strong and steady, even graceful when I polish the nails and don't dig the polish back off...
3. I like the shape of my figure, even if I wish it were slimmer. I guess I like being curvy. :)
4. My ribcage is fairly lean. It is not where I carry my weight, so as I slim, my waist slims up pretty quickly.
5. I like my calves and ankles. They are nicely shaped, and can be very attractive with high heels on, and a semi-short skirt.
6. I've never wanted to trade my hair. It is a little crazy with curls sometimes, but now that I have an expensive straightener, I can remedy that if it gets to me. Otherwise, I embrace my Carole King mop.
7. My breasts, walking juice-bar for the babies I previously mentioned, have not completely lost their appeal. I still like them.
8. I like my collar bone.
9. I used to think I had tiny, beady eyes. But now I believe they are pretty. I've been told that my eyes are captivating, so I'll go with that word. Every girl wants to be captivating at one point or another in her life.
10. My final feature I wish to celebrate in this blog is my set of lips. I like that they are not thin. I tried playing trumpet when I was seventeen and eighteen. I finally took lessons in college. My teacher, the band director, took the instrument away from me, and very delicately explained that I would probably have more success with a bigger mouth piece. He said full-lipped people often had poor embouchures. His comment wasn't meant to make me vain. He was just trying to rip the trumpet away from me as fast as possible because I was making him insane with my pitched-cardboard tone... but it set me for life. For twenty years now I have viewed my lips as one of my best features.

I feel great!!! This is a good exercise; one I hope you'll copy. Sure, for every one good thing I said about myself, there were two negative ones I contemplated mentioning. But I disciplined myself not to do that.

I did a little research on energy-increasing activities, as well as healthy ways to maintain your energy. Even though I didn't see this written anywhere, I am going to say the activity of completing positive thoughts about yourself (like I just did about myself) is important. We should like ourselves, and especially in a makeover-endeavor. Self-loathing doesn't help us get “healthy.”

I found a couple really great resources online where energy is discussed, and I will include one particularly helpful link here.

http://www.organiccoupons.org/blog/2008/07/69-natural-ways-to-increase-your-energy-level/

Some of the points mentioned on this site I want to explore. (There are 69 points, and I won't bother writing them all down. Besides obvious plagiarism, I just think some of the points are repetitive or not completely in sync with my own blog. 69 is a great number, and maybe we can discuss the energy-increasing benefit of that number as an independent blog someday, but for today, I'll just give you some highlights and let you visit the site if you want more.)

First I want to say – everyone's going to tell you to eat breakfast. Everyone's going to tell you to reduce stress. Everyone's going to tell you to take a vitamin if your diet is insufficient, and everyone's going to tell you to get organized. I am terrible at all of those things, so I plan to work on it. Also, on this site, they say to start your day with lights on and a vigorous activity. For me, personally, that is counter-productive, as it would cause me to kill other living things/people, or myself. More dead things= less energy. I'm pretty sure that's scientific.


Otherwise, here are some cool tips:

1. Practice deep breathing: As a singer, I teach breathing all the time. I know this is one of the best things we can teach ourselves. Lots of sources are available if you don't understand how to do this. I suggest aligning your body according to your true skeletal shape, keeping low shoulders, a high chest, tucked chin, and a nice deep breath to your diaphragm. It is especially cleansing if you bend over slightly and flex as if your going to pick up a heavy object. Breathe until you feel it in your back, where your lungs are actually bigger. It feels fantastic!!!
2. Give yourself a more flexible schedule: (For me, this means being my own boss. IT requires self-discipline. But it allows me to work when I am smartest and rest when I'm not.)
3. Schedule down time: Yeah, I do, but then the small people remind me of dance auditions and striking the set after their musical, and friend's houses and can drives, etc... My down time gets gobbled.
4. Spend your energy wisely: Again, If I was only me and not me-plus-four, this would be easier. They are very dramatic, my offspring. They suck me in....
5. Take up a hobby: (I love this one, and really believe in it. It might be why I do have decent energy 80% of the time...)
6. Practice altruism: This is the only way, anyway. Do your best. Always. More on that another day.
7. Avoid late night TV and Computer Time: Oh well. No can do.
8. Stretching: Absolutely. I can attest to this. I just worked out with my daughter, and I feel amazing.
9. Go for a walk after lunch: (Or anytime...)
10. Establish a sleep ritual (and, obviously, get better sleep): Reading, sex, shower, blog, tea... whatever. Your body will start to prepare itself.
11. Kick your animals out of bed: This is a fantastic tip. But my naughty little cat is very sneaky; and her scratching at the door is much more annoying and sleep-disturbing than just letting her snuggle...
12. Wake up without an alarm clock: I laughed so hard when I read this. I don't think I am made this way...
13. Avoid alcohol before bed: Too much anyway...
14. Decrease sugar consumption: KIDDY COCAINE!!!!!
15. Drink enough water: I have taken to trying to grab a water whenever I crave a coffee. It works pretty well.
16. Eat "brain food," more protein, and drink juices: Eat healthy fats like those found in fish and green, leafy vegetables to increase your brain power and energy. (That's what they said, anyway.)  I drink a soy protein drink sometimes, and I can really notice a big boost in my energy.
17. Cut down on coffee: They say not more than one a day... I am trying to switch my tastes to tea, because I don't usually need it as a pick me up anymore. I just enjoy that cup of hot "something"...
18. Eat lots of fiber: Plus it helps to keep your system regular.
19. Check for allergies: This was the BIGGEST REALITY for me. Once my allergy was identified and the offending food removed from my diet, I felt like a new human being.
20. Lose weight: Thanks..
21. Try yoga: OK. I actually want to do this.
22. Get a massage: I have a coupon somewhere for a free one... I cannot wait!
23. Clean up: I always feel like I can take on the world when things are organized and picked up, dishes and laundry done.
24. Go outside: Sometimes I remember my walking shoes and walk at lunchtime at work, just to get out in the open air.
25. Put a fresh plant on your desk: I kill plants. That equals less energy...
26. Listen to classical music: As a musician, I agree. But I want to expand this idea to listening to enriching music. This includes stuff you didn't know before but that you truly enjoy.
27. Have something to look forward to: I look forward to my super smooth butt and slimmer thighs!
28. Talk to an energetic friend: Me!!!!!
29. Avoid energy "vampires": This is one of my most difficult tips. I know it's true, but it's very difficult. I am an enabler... Although not proud of it. :(
30. Wear something nice: Plus, men will open doors for you, and women will talk to you like you are somebody. I've actually tested this. Then you can be the person of influence, and spread sunshine instead of condescendence like other people who dress nicely sometimes do!!! Make someone else's day better.
31. Discuss something that interests you: I know this to be true. I do it all the time.
32. Let it out: Find a great outlet, a form of expression. I think preferably something creative or physical. We don't do enough of that.
33. Get things done: Ugh. Fine!!! (Do they realize sometimes that means sitting at the computer with a jug of wine until the middle of the night, though? It's opposite of these other things we've just said...)
34. Give up on pleasing people: So true.

I am dedicated to this. One week into my makeover, and I am excited about the upcoming days. I wasn't a perfect example of sticking-to-the-plan, but I did so much more than I would have had I not made the goal in the first place.


If you never make a goal, you will reach it every time! And, if you set your sight on the moon and don't quite make it, at least you'll land among the stars. Right?


This week, I will update you on my progress. I have a "starting weight," starting measurements, and before pictures. I have exercises and walks and plans.


This week I will also discuss how to possibly reduce scars and dark spots. I will discuss foods that work really well for me, and ways I am choosing to increase my self-esteem and will-power.


We will be super thankful for all kinds of things as the week progresses, of course.


Xo

Good Evening!


Laura Lee